PLAY FAIR: BCC says campaigning and public events should be treated equally – EyeWitness News

NASSAU, BAHAMAS The government should fairly consider its restrictions on certain public events, given that political parties are allowed to canvas communities, suggested Bahamas Christian Council (BCC) President Bishop Delton Fernander.

With the upcoming elections quickly approaching, supporters and candidates of major political parties have been hitting the pavement, campaigning in various communities in large numbers.

Despite recent criticism and concerns on its impact on rising coronavirus cases, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has defended the actions, indicating that political parties have been following COVID-19 protocols.

However, Fernander has hit out at those assertions, insisting that the government is setting a precedent.

We must realize what is good for the goose is also good for the gander, he told reporters in a recent interview.

I wish there would be consideration knowing that in this time that all of us want to persevere our health, we want to do the best we can and we must be fair all across the board, that if we see one thing happening on the streets we should also be allowed in other areas to do the same, or if were retarded in one area, then its retarded in all of the areas.

So, just fairness of play is what the church is looking for and I think the country is looking for.

New Providence, Exuma and Eleuthera are currently on 10pm to 5am curfew.

Grand Bahama is on an 11pm to 5am curfew, while mainland Abaco is on an 8pm to 5am curfew.

On those islands, weddings in a religious facility can be held provided that the number of attendees is limited to one-third the capacity of the religious facility and protocols are adhered to.

Meanwhile, funerals at the graveside can only be held with no more than 40 people, exclusive of the officiant and mortuary workers.

Additionally, wedding receptions and funeral repasts are not allowed.

Speaker of the House of Assembly and Nassau Village MP Halson Moultrie recently called the political campaigning reckless and said it endangers constituents and campaign workers.

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PLAY FAIR: BCC says campaigning and public events should be treated equally - EyeWitness News